How to Prevent Hair Drain Clogs

We’ve all been there: hair clogs that gradually slow our water drainage causing murky water to accumulate. It’s unsightly and gives a little bit of that “ew” factor, but it can also cause problems with your plumbing.

Here are ways to prevent and fix inconvenient hair clogs.

What Causes Hair Drain Clogs?

Hair clogs accumulate in drains when hair, along with other debris, gets caught in the drain build up so that water can’t pass through.

The time it takes for a hair clog to form can vary depending on several factors, such as the amount of hair and debris that goes down the drain, the frequency of use, and the type of plumbing system. The location of the clog can also affect how quickly it forms.

Clogs that form near the top of the drain may form more quickly than those that form deeper in the pipes. This process has happened anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

What Plumbing Issues Does a Hair Drain Clog Cause?

Why are we splitting hairs about hair drain clogs? Let’s take a look at some of the main issues a hair drain clog can cause.

Slow Water Drainage

Hair drain clogs can create a blockage that restricts the flow of water. This can cause slow water drainage in the shower and bathroom sink drain. You may notice that the water takes longer to drain, or it may not drain at all. This can lead to water backing up into your bathroom and even water damage to your home.

Unpleasant Odors

Eventually, hair and other debris clogging your pipes begin to decompose and produce unpleasant odors. In addition to the odor, the stagnant water trapped in your drain is especially attractive to bacteria and other organisms, which can worsen the smell.

How to Reduce Hair Clogging

The best way to get rid of a hair drain clog is to prevent them in the first place. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Brush your hair before showering or bathing: Before you step into the shower or bathtub, take a few minutes to brush your hair. This will help to remove any loose hair and prevent it from going down the drain.
• Install drain screens or strainers: Drain screens or strainers are designed to catch hair and other debris before they go down the drain. They are easy to install and are available at most hardware stores. Once the hair accumulates on your screen, you can empty it into the trash.
• Remove any visible hair: After using the sink or shower, take a moment to remove any visible hair from the area. This will help to prevent hair from accumulating in the drain and reduce the likelihood of clogs.
• Flush your drains regularly: Flushing your drains with hot water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help to dissolve any hair buildup and prevent clogs from forming. You can do this once a month or more, depending on frequency of use and the number of people in your home.

But, if you’ve taken the proper precautions (or it’s too late) you might find yourself looking for a way to clear out already existing clogs.

Which brings us to…

How to Clear Hair Clogs

So you’ve got a clog! Here’s how you can get rid of it quickly:

Use Organic Or Chemical Cleansers Overnight

Organic or chemical drain cleaners can dissolve hair clogs. Pour the cleaner down the drain and let it sit overnight. The next morning, flush the drain with very hot water to help clear the clog.

Use a Plunger

A plunger can be a surprisingly effective way to dissolve hair clogs in your drain. To use a plunger, place it over the drain and push down firmly. Then, pull up quickly to create suction that can dislodge the clog. Repeat this several times until the clog clears.

Flush Drains Regularly

Flushing your drains isn’t just for prevention: you can use it as a cure, too! If you already have a clog, flushing the drain with hot water can help to loosen it and make it easier to remove.

Call the Plumbing Professionals

If you’ve all the DIY methods you can muster and still can’t clear your clog, it’s time to call in the pros. At Adeedo, we have the tools and expertise to clear even the most stubborn clogs, and can help to ensure that your plumbing system is functioning properly.

And in fact, we’re so confident that we can clear your drain that if we can’t clear it, your service call is free!

Clear Clogged Drains With Adeedo

At Adeedo, we know how important it is to clear your clogged drain quickly, efficiently, and affordably at your Los Angeles home. For more information about hair drain clogs or to schedule an appointment, contact a member of our team today!